AI-generated product images

AI is the future and only a click away.

If you are a designer or digital whiz by any means then you will know all too well the labor-intensive task that is image curation, design, and customization. Not to mention sourcing. So why, when you have a solution on your doorstep would you not make the most of it?

AI-generated images are becoming the norm in the design world and creatives are turning to AI photography more and more.

In this post we will delve deeper into what is involved when using an AI-generator, why should it be considered in the workplace or for marketing purposes, and how to go about implementing it into your current office and design environment. If you find it all too overwhelming, fear not, reach out to us at Glorify where our creative team will help bring your digital designs and photography to the forefront for the world to enjoy.

What are AI-generated product images?

An AI text-to-image generator in most cases makes use of a machine learning technique known as artificial neural networks which receives text or word inputs and then converts and processes them into images. The best part is that the entire stage can take a mere seconds to be completed and you have a ready-to-use image to work with as is or customize to suit your brand.

In a nutshell, images generated using AI technology can be used for product representations on digital sites, social platforms, or across the e-commerce industry.

The images created are done through algorithms  and models learned by machinery and thus create realistic, and lifestyle photography. And all this is done in a fraction of the time it would take a human designer to curate images and edit and tweak till satisfied.

While there are still many components and kinks to work out when using AI image generators or AI, in general, we can be sure they will become a more common occurrence in years to come, if not sooner.

Pros and cons of using AI-generated product images on my website

Like with all things there are always two sides to the story, AI-generated images are no different. And while they offer many perks this does not go to say that they are perfect, far from it, but when you know what you are getting yourself in for if considering using AI image generation, then all the better.

We have asked around, researched, and experienced AI-image-generating tools and compiled a curated list of the good and the not-so-favorable points so you can make a more well-informed decision when it comes to AI.

Pros

• Saves you time, money, and images can be generated quickly

• Less labor intensive and you immediately eliminate the extensive man (design) hours

• Allows you the freedom to focus on other more important elements of your campaign such as marketing or content creation

• Your images will always be up-to-date as AI uses algorithms that are relevant to current markets so staying one step ahead of the crowd is easier

• Refining tools allow you to create images that are audience-targeted for increased efficacy

Cons

• Inconsistency across your brand. AI-generated images may lead to visuals that are not on brand or aren’t cohesive with your company’s aesthetic

• Quality of visuals produced is a common issue amongst AI imagery due to their limited capabilities you may not yield the high level of photography you envisioned

• Not all the platforms or software is user-friendly and if tricky to navigate or slow to work could result in frustration rather than speed

• Repetitiveness is always a worry, duplicating the same image can quickly become stale and your brand may come off as boring

How to use AI to generate product images?

AI technology is not always a bad thing as many people tend to turn their noses up at the thought of a machine doing the work for them, but it can also be a great thing. When you have the know-how things tend to go smoother, and you quickly realize that using AI to your advantage can save you time, but also, money. Here are just a handful of ideas on how to use product image creation  using AI features;

• You can calibrate and specify the AI-generated images with a bespoke, personalized touch. Make the images work for your brand, and customize the images in such a way that they represent your brand’s identity through colors and themes, fonts, or texts and infographics.

• What you need to be sure of is your AI platform generating appropriate and relevant imagery at all times. You want to train the AI to produce accurate images that are focused on the topic and generate these as new images or with customizable existing photography.

• Variety, as they say, is the spice of life, and in the e-commerce industry, this is no different. You want your customers to see your products and brand in a different light, and this requires variation. Use AI-generated images to highlight bespoke features or showcase products in their best light through comparative sizing, colors, and uses.

• A/B testing is a great way to measure and accurately access which images being generated by the AI are successful and which aren’t as effective for your goal or brand.

• Images with certain elements such as transparency or reflection can be tricky to photograph yourself, and unless you have the necessary equipment on hand, or the optimal lighting setting it can be very tough to get the right shot. AI-generated images using these predefined attributes could be your saving grace.

Is it legal to use AI-generated images?

Using images that have been AI-generated is still somewhat of a sensitive topic, with many companies either banning the use of them completely for fear of copyright legal issues creeping in or royalty rights and boundaries being crossed. Unfortunately, because it is essentially a collaboration of both AI and human interaction which yields the final result, there is no one sole party responsible, thus there are currently no clear-cut answers.

If you do opt to use an AI-generated image, you want to be sure of the ownership of that image. If the images are based using existing photographs it lends itself to the question of ownership, is it copyrighted? Do you (or in this case the AI generator) have permission to use the said image?

Another thing when relying on robotics and AI technology is the accuracy of imagery. If you are not careful it could lead to a misguided and misleading message which can quickly escalate into a bag of unwanted legal issues. To prevent this always consult legal advice and guidance with a lawyer or hire legal representation, therefore maintaining compliance with regulations and relevant laws.

It is no secret that AI technology is a major part of the future and is increasingly becoming more prevalent in the e-commerce industry, and sure we should use this to our advantage. Just be sure to do so legally.

Top 3 AI product image generators

Digital marketing is continuously evolving and using images to sell your products has always been a task for designers who spend endless hours creating the perfect image, until now. These days we have the advantage of technology that allows us to create images using what is known as AI image generators and half the work is done. All you need to do is some editing, and tweaking to make it fit your brand and style and you are good to go.

That being said, we have curated the best AI image generators for you to try and play around with, and to see that sometimes it is better to work smarter rather than harder, right? Let’s dive in;

Glorify

Too often we think using digital design platforms is overly complicated or only for those with years of design experience behind them, but this is not the case. Glorify, a high-quality, top digital design and creative firm, offers everyone from beginners to seasoned creators a user-friendly platform with endless ready-to-use templates to get your creative juices flowing.

It uses AI technology so you can quickly and easily edit and customize your existing images, and then include additional features from the stock library to complete a unique, curated overall design aesthetic. Together with the editing tools on the platform and guidance from the design team you can elevate your presentation and bring it to life for the world to enjoy.

Jasper.ai

Integrated with a state-of-art image generator Jasper.ai is popular among designers and creatives alike. You can input a description of what type or style of images you are looking for and it will bring up AI-crafted images for you to choose from. Then, using the drop-down editing tools for moods, inspiration, or aesthetics you can personalize the images to your liking and brand representation.

There is a limited-time free trial option, after that, a paid subscription will allow you access to use and create royalty-free images and designs.

Photosonic

This platform has a little bit of everything you need all under one roof. You can generate inspiring images and designs to visualize your project and build on the design using the concept tools. Make the most of the filters to enhance and highlight key elements of the project, add text annotations to bring a message, and with the paid plan you can elevate your presentation with background and watermark removal.

Is there a free AI image generator?

For the most part, there are always free versions of AI-image generators available, but with those come limited features or editing tools, and essentially it makes sense to opt for a paid version to take your designs that much further.

Sure you can create and generate images using these limited design options, but if you are a seasoned creator you will find these frustrating and quite restraining. If you do use the free options available be sure you review any terms and conditions to stay within legal boundaries, but always consider collaborating with other marketing and design tools and platforms for a more comprehensive creation.

If you are new to the e-commerce world of digital marketing then check out the following ‘somewhat’ free AI-generating options to get the ball rolling on your creative journey and to play around with the various editing tools.

• SoulGen - Anime-style images, and designs created in as little as 5 minutes once you get the hang of it and a high-quality finish.

• Deep.ai - Using existing images you can recreate and redesign them into something new and innovative.

• PicSo - NSFW images in a vast variety of art styles.

• Midjourney - A great platform for designers, artists, and all content creators.

AI is undoubtedly going to play a significant role in the design and the digital world in the future, and if it means we can do twice the work in less time, who are we to complain, right? Make AI a part of your business and marketing tools and be up with the times.